Orpington is getting a new-look market which will launch with the town’s first ever Food Festival.

Rockspring has taken over the market, which will take place by the Walnuts Shopping Centre, and aim to bring a ‘modern, fit for purpose market that will work for traders and shoppers alike’ where “visitors will be greeted by a market that looks and feels inviting”.

Stalls are set to be realigned around a street food area with a centrepiece refurbished Citroen HY van that has been fitted out as a food truck.

The market will also benefit from free wi-fi and new seating, lihting and tree planting in the market square.

The area has already benefitted from extensive work in recent years and months, with the opening of the Odeon cinema and Premier Inn as well as work including a new mural on the leisure centre façade.

To coincide with the market’s launch, Rockspring is teaming up with Orpington 1st Business Improvement District to introduce a food festival in early September.

A market started in Orpington in 1990 and had close to 100 stalls in its heyday.

A statement from The Walnuts said: “The needs of Orpington’s residents however are changing and with new families moving into the area, the market will focus as a community hub with the potential to enhance the local economy by contributing towards a diverse independent retail offer.”

A website – orpingtonmarket.co.uk – is now open for anyone interested in trading at the market or food festival. Successful applicants will be entitled to reduced pitch fees in the first six months as well as business advice.